Mitchell

Robinson

Towns missed Sunday’s game against Orlando, which allowed Mitchell Robinson to move into the starting unit. He’ll head back to the bench with Towns back. KAT was able to practice on Monday, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that he’ll be available with a trip to Las Vegas on the line.

Towns’ status for Tuesday’s game against Toronto is still up in the air, but his return to practice is a good sign. On Sunday, Mitchell Robinson started and played a season-high 25 minutes, while Ariel Hukporti filled the 23 minutes that Robinson was on the bench. Towns’ return would likely push Robinson to the bench and Hukporti back out of the rotation.

Robinson filled in for Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) and made the most of his opportunity. The big man led all players in rebounds and did what he normally does, providing efficient shooting with just one turnover. He corralled eight offensive boards, helping New York get some second-chance looks in the close victory. Robinson should remain a starter until KAT is cleared to return.

With Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) ruled out, Robinson will take over the starting center spot. He’s worth a look as a streaming option for Sunday’s seven-game slate.

Towns’ absence means Mitchell Robinson could move into the starting five, and Robinson will be worth streaming in this matchup. Ariel Hukporti and Guerschon Yabusele should be in line for some additional run off the bench, while Josh Hart gets a boost in the rebounding department.

Towns is dealing with tightness in his left calf, which is why he is on the injury report. Mitchell Robinson would be the next man up if KAT can’t play, with him being most valuable as a rebounder and shot-blocker. Given his injury history, the Knicks have made a conscious effort not to play Robinson too much at this point in the season.

Robinson’s absence on Wednesday freed up a few minutes for Ariel Hukporti, who did not provide much value in the backup center role. With Robinson available, Hukporti may fall out of the Knicks’ rotation entirely.

Robinson will miss the second leg of New York’s back-to-back, which shouldn’t come as a surprise. The last time he was unavailable, Ariel Hukporti filled out 12 reserve minutes at center, where he was unproductive in fantasy hoops.

Towns and Mitchell Robinson — who grabbed a staggering 15 rebounds in just 16 minutes off the bench — teamed up to help New York overwhelm Toronto on the glass, 61-40, in a one-sided affair. The 30-year-old big man is averaging nearly 22 points and 12 rebounds per-game through 19 games this season, delivering second-round value from a fantasy standpoint.

Despite Mitchell Robinson (five rebounds, one assist, three steals and one blocked shot in 17 minutes) returning from an illness, Knicks head coach Mike Brown decided to stick with Hart and Miles McBride in the starting lineup. The move paid off, with Hart scoring 19 first-half points in his best offensive performance of the season. He didn’t do a whole lot after halftime, but the damage had been done. To say Hart managers will take the final stat line he recorded on Wednesday would be an understatement. We’ll see if Brown sticks with the same lineup on Friday when the Knicks host the Bucks.